HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 7902.00 – Zinc; waste and scrap
HS code 7902.00 is the 6-digit subheading for zinc, waste and scrap. It is used for zinc die-cast scrap, galvanizer's dross, zinc sheet scrap, zinc dust from recycling and zinc battery scrap.
What HS 7902.00 covers
This HS code covers all forms of zinc waste and scrap, which are crucial for the secondary zinc production market and the broader recycling industry. This includes a diverse range of materials such as old zinc products, manufacturing offcuts, dross from galvanizing operations, and residues from die-casting. The trade in zinc scrap is driven by both environmental sustainability goals and the economic advantages of recycling, which typically requires less energy compared to primary production. Countries with robust secondary smelting and refining capabilities are major importers, while industrial nations that generate significant quantities of zinc waste are often the primary exporters. Key aspects for trade include the purity and contamination levels of the scrap, as well as adherence to international regulations governing the movement of waste materials, which can significantly impact logistics and pricing.
- Covers
- Zinc die-cast scrap
- Galvanizer's dross
- Zinc sheet scrap
- Zinc dust from recycling
- Zinc battery scrap
- Zinc residues
- Zinc skimmings
- Old zinc roofing
- Examples
- Scrap collected by Sims Metal Management
- EMR Group zinc scrap
- Schnitzer Steel zinc waste
- specialized zinc recyclers' dross
Codes often confused with 7902.00
Common mistake. Can be confused with 2620 (ash and residues containing metals) if the zinc content is low and mixed with other materials, or with 790310 (zinc dust) if the scrap is in powdered form but not specifically 'dust' from primary production.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 790200, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 790200 in UN Comtrade data was France, with 16% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 39% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $118M 16% of world exports
- 2 Germany $104M 14% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $90M 12% of world exports
World total: $736M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $236M 39% of world imports
- 2 Italy $120M 20% of world imports
- 3 Belgium $70M 12% of world imports
World total: $607M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 7902.00
Brazil does not split HS 7902.00: its NCM code is 7902.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 79.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 7902.00
What is HS code 790200?
HS code 790200 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Zinc; waste and scrap. This HS code covers all forms of zinc waste and scrap, which are crucial for the secondary zinc production market and the broader recycling industry. This includes a diverse range of materials such as old zinc products, manufacturing offcuts, dross from galvanizing operations, and residues from die-casting. The trade in zinc scrap is driven by both environmental sustainability goals and the economic advantages of recycling, which typically requires less energy compared to primary production. Countries with robust secondary smelting and refining capabilities are major importers, while industrial nations that generate significant quantities of zinc waste are often the primary exporters. Key aspects for trade include the purity and contamination levels of the scrap, as well as adherence to international regulations governing the movement of waste materials, which can significantly impact logistics and pricing.
What products fall under HS code 790200?
Zinc die-cast scrap, Galvanizer's dross, Zinc sheet scrap, Zinc dust from recycling, Zinc battery scrap, Zinc residues, Zinc skimmings, Old zinc roofing
What are common misclassifications for HS code 790200?
Can be confused with 2620 (ash and residues containing metals) if the zinc content is low and mixed with other materials, or with 790310 (zinc dust) if the scrap is in powdered form but not specifically 'dust' from primary production.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 790200?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 790200 in UN Comtrade data were France ($118M, 16% of world exports), Germany ($104M) and Malaysia ($90M). World exports came to about $736M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 790200?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 790200 in UN Comtrade data were India ($236M, 39% of world imports), Italy ($120M) and Belgium ($70M). World imports came to about $607M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 790200 structured?
HS code 790200 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (79) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 790200?
In Brazil, HS code 790200 is NCM 7902.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.